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US 8,769,832 B1Granted
Utensils having elevated distal ends for preventing germs and contamination
OwnerMichael Joynerinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention relates to eating utensils including a support configuration adapted for elevating the utensil above a horizontal surface to prevent the contamination of germs or bacteria that may linger on the surface. The eating utensils are also adapted for use by children or adults having limited motor skills or dexterity. In one embodiment, a utensil such as a fork, knife or spoon is attached to an egg-shaped member having a weighted base and designed for preventing the utensils from coming into contact with horizontal surfaces such as a table.
Claims4
A self-positioning utensil comprising:
- an implement having a distal operative end integral with an elongated shank;
- an egg-shaped member including a weighted base and a slot formed within said egg-shaped member, said weighted base configured for maintaining said egg-shaped member in vertical orientation when said egg-shaped member sits on a horizontal surface;
- and
- Said egg shaped member comprising a major axis and a minor axis, wherein said slot extends completely and laterally through said egg shaped member aligned in a direction substantially perpendicular to said major axis;
- wherein said shank is permanently or removeably secured within said slot so that said distal operative end extends outwards from said egg-shaped member.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.